Seating assembly with displaceable panel

ABSTRACT

A seating assembly is provided that includes a seating assembly frame that includes a seatback frame, and a seat frame. The seating assembly further includes a seatback panel coupled to an upper portion of the seatback frame and movable between a stored position relative to the seatback frame and an extended position relative to the seatback frame, and an adjustment mechanism coupled to the seatback panel and the seating assembly frame and movable between a first position and a second position in response to an actuating force.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to a seating assembly for avehicle with a displaceable panel.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Seating assemblies may include movable components that may be placed indifferent positions to accommodate different seating assembly needs.Improved movable components for seating assemblies are desired.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a seating assembly isprovided. The seating assembly includes a seating assembly frame thatincludes a seatback frame and a seat frame. The seating assembly furtherincludes a seatback panel coupled to an upper portion of the seatbackframe and movable between a stored position relative to the seatbackframe and an extended position relative to the seatback frame, and anadjustment mechanism coupled to the seatback panel and the seatingassembly frame and movable between a first position and a secondposition in response to an actuating force.

Embodiments of the first aspect of the disclosure can include any one ora combination of the following features:

-   -   in the first position of the adjustment mechanism, the seatback        panel is in the stored position;    -   in the second position of the adjustment mechanism, the seatback        panel is in the extended position;    -   a seatback panel pivotable coupling including the seatback panel        and the seatback frame and defined by a seatback panel axis of        rotation extending through the seatback panel and the seatback        frame;    -   the adjustment mechanism includes a linkage assembly;    -   the first position of the adjustment mechanism includes a        collapsed position of the linkage assembly;    -   the second position of the adjustment mechanism includes an        expanded position of the linkage assembly;    -   the linkage assembly is pivotably coupled to an inward-extending        portion of a seating assembly cross member;    -   in the collapsed position of the linkage assembly, a forward        link of the linkage assembly is disposed above the seat frame;    -   in the expanded position of the linkage assembly, the forward        link of the linkage assembly is disposed below the seat frame;    -   the adjustment mechanism includes a cam lever pivotably coupled        to the seatback frame;    -   the cam lever defines an armrest;    -   the first position of the adjustment mechanism includes a        primary position of the cam lever substantially aligned with the        seatback frame and wherein the second position of the adjustment        mechanism includes a secondary position of the cam lever        transverse to the seatback frame; and/or    -   the adjustment mechanism includes a telescoping member extending        between the seating assembly frame and the seatback panel.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle seatingassembly is provided. The vehicle seating assembly includes a seatbackpivotably coupled to a seat and movable between an upright positionrelative to the seat and a substantially parallel position relative tothe seat and including a seatback panel coupled to an upper portion of aseatback frame, and an adjustment mechanism extending between theseatback frame and the seatback panel and configured to move from afirst position to a second position in response to an actuating forcedisposed on the adjustment mechanism if the seatback is in the uprightposition relative to the seat, thereby moving the seatback panel from afirst distance relative to the seatback frame to a second distancerelative to the seatback frame.

Embodiments of the second aspect of the disclosure can include any oneor a combination of the following features:

-   -   the seatback panel defines a load floor if the seatback is        disposed substantially parallel to the seat and if the seatback        panel is positioned at a first distance relative to the seatback        frame;    -   the adjustment mechanism includes a latching system configured        to maintain the seatback panel at the second distance relative        to the seatback frame;    -   the adjustment mechanism includes first and second adjustment        mechanisms disposed on opposing sides of the seatback panel;        and/or    -   the adjustment mechanism includes a four bar linkage pivotably        coupled to a seating assembly frame.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle seatingassembly is provided. The vehicle seating assembly includes a seatingassembly frame including a seat frame and a seatback frame. The vehicleseating assembly further includes a panel positioned on the back of theseatback frame and movable between a stored position relative to theseatback frame and an extended position relative to the seatback frame,and an adjustment mechanism extending between the seating assembly frameand the panel and movable between a first position and a second positionin response to an actuating force disposed on the adjustment mechanism,wherein if the adjustment mechanism is in the first position, then thepanel is in the stored position, and wherein if the adjustment mechanismis in the second position, then the panel is in the extended position.

These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present disclosurewill be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art uponstudying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a seating assembly frame with a linkageassembly and a seatback panel in a stored position, according to anaspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of a seating assembly frame with alinkage assembly and a seatback panel in an extended position, accordingto an aspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a seating assembly frame with a linkageassembly and a seatback panel in an extended position, according to anaspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a side schematic view of a linkage assembly and the seatbackpanel in a stored position and an extended position, according to anaspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a side perspective view a seating assembly frame with a seatedoccupant and the linkage assembly in a first position and a secondposition, according to an aspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a right side perspective view of a seating assembly frame witha cam lever and a seatback panel in the stored position, according to anaspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a right side elevational view of a seating assembly frame witha cam lever and a seatback panel in the stored position, according to anaspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a left side perspective view of a seating assembly frame witha cam lever and a seatback panel in the stored position, according to anaspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a right side perspective view of a seating assembly frame witha cam lever and a seatback panel in the expended position, according toan aspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a right side elevational view of a seating assembly framewith a cam lever and a seatback panel in the extended position,according to an aspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a left side perspective view of a seating assembly frame witha cam lever and a seatback panel in the extended position, according toan aspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a schematic view of a seating assembly frame with atelescoping member and a seatback panel in the extended position,according to an aspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a schematic view of a guide sleeve, according to an aspect ofthe disclosure;

FIG. 14 is a schematic view of a seating assembly frame with analternate cam lever and a seatback panel in the stored position,according to an aspect of the disclosure; and

FIG. 15 is a schematic view of a seating assembly frame with analternate cam lever and a seatback panel in the stored position and theextended position, according to an aspect of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to the vehicle seating assemblies 10 described below andshown in the attached figures, a vehicle seating assembly 10 may bedescribed from the vantage point of an occupant 12 seated in the seatingassembly 10. The side of a seating assembly 10 disposed on a right sideof a seated occupant 12 may be referred to as a right side of theseating assembly 10. The side of the seating assembly 10 disposed on aleft side of a seated occupant 12 may be referred to as a left side ofthe seating assembly 10.

Referring to FIGS. 1-15, a seating assembly 10 includes a seatingassembly frame 14 having a seatback frame 18 and a seat frame 22. Aseatback panel 26 is coupled to an upper portion 30 of the seatbackframe 18 and movable between a stored position I relative to theseatback frame 18 and an extended position II relative to the seatbackframe 18. An adjustment mechanism 34 is coupled to the seatback panel 26and the seating assembly frame 14 and movable between a first position Vand a second position VI. If the adjustment mechanism 34 is in the firstposition V, then the seatback panel 26 is in the stored position I. Ifthe adjustment mechanism 34 is in the second position VI, then theseatback panel 26 is in the extended position II.

Customers desire a vehicle that may be used for various purposes.Therefore, it is advantageous to configure vehicle seating assemblies 10to use vehicle space in multiple ways. A seating assembly 10 that may beconfigured as a load floor 102 may provide additional cargo storagespace in a vehicle. A seating assembly 10 may include a seatback 38 anda seat 40. A seating assembly 10 may have a seatback panel 26 that mayfunction as a load floor 102 if the seatback frame 18 is folded flatabove the seat 40 and in a substantially parallel position X with theseat 40. If the seatback frame 18 is in the upright position IX, it maybe desirable to have the seatback panel 26 extend away from the seatframe 22 to provide additional space for a seated occupant 12 in theseating assembly 10. As such, it may be desirable to have a seatbackpanel 26 that may be in a stored position I relative to a seatback frame18 if the seatback 38 is in a substantially parallel position X with theseat 40 and/or if a seating assembly 10 is in the upright position IX.

Referring to FIG. 1, a seating assembly 10 may include a seatingassembly frame 14. The seating assembly frame 14 may include a seatframe 22 and a seatback frame 18. A seatback panel 26 may be disposed onthe back of the seatback frame 18. The seating assembly 10 may includean adjustment mechanism 34 for moving the seatback panel 26 between thestored position I and the extended position II. The seatback panel 26 isshown in the stored position I.

The adjustment mechanism 34 shown in FIGS. 1-5 includes a linkageassembly 34A. In the example shown, opposing linkage assemblies 34A maybe disposed on opposing sides of the seatback panel 26. The linkageassemblies 34A may move between a first position (for example, collapsedposition V) and a second position (for example, expanded position VI) inresponse to an actuating force 42A exerted on the linkage assemblies34A. Movement of the linkage assemblies 34A from the first position(collapsed position V) to the second position (expanded position VI) maycause the seatback panel 26 to move from the stored position I to theextended position II. A seat panel 46 may be disposed in the seat frame22. The seat panel 46 may extend from a forward portion 50 of the seatframe 22 to a rearward portion 54 of the seat frame 22. The seatingassembly 10 may include mounts 58 for securing the seating assembly 10to a vehicle floor 62.

Referring to FIG. 2, the actuating force 42A exerted on the seatingassembly 10 may move the linkage assembly 34A from the collapsedposition V to the expanded position VI. The movement of the linkageassembly 34A to the expanded position VI may cause the seatback panel 26to be pushed from the stored position I to the extended position II. Theseatback panel 26 may be coupled to the seatback frame 18 at a seatbackpanel pivotable coupling 66. A seatback panel axis of rotation 68 mayextend through the seatback panel pivotable coupling 66 and may definethe seatback panel pivotable coupling 66. The linkage assembly 34A mayinclude a rearward link 70 disposed along the seatback panel 26. Therearward link 70 may include a slot 74 for receiving the intermediatelink 78 of the linkage assembly 34A. The seatback panel 26 may be asubstantially flat structure that may extend over the seatback frame 18.The seatback panel 26 may be a metal, plastic or other material. Theseatback panel 26 may include a tether 82 for mounting cargo to theseatback panel 26. The seatback panel 26 may be covered by a cover.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the linkage assembly 34A may include rearwardlink 70, intermediate link 78, intermediate link 86, and forward link90. The forward link 90 may be coupled to the seat panel 46. Therearward link 70 may extend along the seatback panel 26. Twointermediate links 78, 86 may be disposed between the forward link 90and the rearward link 70. The seatback frame 18 may be rotatably coupledto the seat frame 22 at a seatback pivotable coupling 94. The seatbackpivotable coupling 94 may be defined by the seatback axis of rotation98. The seatback frame 18 may move from the upright position IX relativeto the seat frame 22 to a substantially parallel position X relative tothe seat frame 22 if the seatback frame 18 is rotated about the seatbackaxis of rotation 98. If the seatback frame 18 is in a substantiallyparallel position X relative to the seat 40, then the seatback panel 26may be in the stored position I. If the seatback frame 18 is in asubstantially parallel position X relative to the seat 40, then thelinkage assembly 34A may be in a collapsed position V. The seatbackframe 18 may be in a folded position over the seat frame 22 if theseatback panel 26 creates a load floor 102. A folded position of theseatback frame 18 over the seat 40 may include the seatback frame 18 ina substantially parallel position X relative to the seat frame 22.

Referring again to FIG. 3, a cross member 110 of the seating assembly 10may be disposed between the mounts 58 at the junction of the seat frame22 and the seatback frame 18. In the example shown, the cross member 110may be part of the seat frame 22. In other examples, the cross member110 may be part of the seatback frame 18, or the cross member 110 may bea separate part. Inward-extending portions 114 at the ends of the crossmember 110 may cover components of the seating assembly frame 14.

With continued reference to FIG. 3, the seatback frame 18 may include apair of opposing upright longitudinal members 118 and an upper crossmember 122. The upper cross member 122 may be secured to the pair ofopposing upright longitudinal members 118. The upper cross member 122may include apertures 126 for receiving headrest rods. The seatingassembly frame 14 may include a pair of opposing side brackets 130coupled to the pair of opposing upright longitudinal members 118. Theseatback panel 26 may be disposed against the pair of opposing sidebrackets 130 if the seatback panel 26 is in the stored position I. Theseatback panel 26 may be disposed against the pair of opposing uprightlongitudinal members 118 if the seatback panel 26 is in the storedposition I.

With continued reference to FIG. 3, a link pivotable coupling 134 may bebetween the forward link 90 and the intermediate link 86. A linkpivotable coupling 138 may be between an intermediate link 78 and anintermediate link 86. The link pivotable coupling 134 between theforward link 90 and the intermediate link 86 may be coupled to theinward-extending portion 114 of the seating assembly frame 14 at thelinkage assembly pivotable coupling 142. The linkage assembly pivotablecoupling 142 may be defined by a linkage assembly axis of rotation 146extending through the linkage assembly 34A and the seating assemblyframe 14. A support bracket 150 may extend from the cross member 110 tosecure the linkage assembly 34A to the inward-extending portion 114 ofthe seating assembly frame 14.

With reference to FIG. 4, the linkage assembly 34A may move from thecollapsed position V to the extended position VI in response to anactuating force 42A. The actuating force 42A may be the weight of anoccupant 12 sitting on the seating assembly 10. As the linkage assembly34A moves from the collapsed position V to the expanded position VI, theseatback panel 26 moves from the stored position I to the extendedposition II. The seatback panel 26 may rotate about the seatback panelaxis of rotation 68.

With continuing reference to FIG. 4, the linkage assembly 34A mayinclude a first end 158 coupled to the seat panel 46 and a second end162 fixed to the seatback panel 2lin6. The seatback panel 26 may includea slot 74 for receiving a link 78. If the linkage assembly 34A is in thecollapsed position V, then the forward link 90 may be disposed above theseat frame 22. See, FIGS. 1, 5. If the linkage assembly 34A is in theexpanded position VI, then the forward link 90 may be disposed below theseat frame 22. See, FIGS. 2, 5. Upon application of an actuating force42A on the seat panel 46 due to the weight of an occupant 12 or anotherobject, a rotation movement of the linkage assembly 34A is created. Theseat panel 46 and the forward link 90 move downward in an arc ofrotation that may cause the intermediate links 78, 86 to exert a forceon the seatback panel 26 to provide increased space in the seatingassembly 10 for occupant comfort. The linkage assembly 34A may lock witha pin-based or other latching mechanism 166 to maintain the linkageassembly 34A in the in the expanded position VI during use of theseating assembly 10 by an occupant 12. If the occupant 12 leaves theseating assembly 10, the seatback panel 26 may return to the storedposition I against the seatback frame 18 to create the load floorfunction of the seatback panel 26. The seatback panel 26 and theseatback frame 18 may be spring-loaded to return the seatback panel 26to a stored position I after an occupant 12 leaves the seating assembly10. See, exemplary spring system 290 in FIGS. 14-15.

Referring to FIG. 5, if the adjustment mechanism 34 (for example,linkage assembly 34A) is in the collapsed position V, then the seatbackpanel 26 may be disposed at a first distance D1 relative to the seatbackframe 18. If the adjustment mechanism 34 (for example, linkage assembly34A) is in the second position VI, then the seatback panel 26 may bedisposed in a second distance D2 relative to the seatback frame 18. See,exemplary first distance D1 shown in FIG. 7. See, exemplary seconddistance D2 shown in FIG. 5. In the exemplary first panel distance D1shown in FIG. 7, the distance D1 may be approximately zero.

Referring again to FIG. 5, the linkage assembly 34A is shown in thecollapsed position V and the expanded position VI. If the linkageassembly 34A is in the expanded position VI, then the seatback panel 26may be in the extended position II.

Referring to FIGS. 6-11, the adjustment mechanism 34 shown includes acam lever 34B. The cam lever 34B may include a cam portion 190 and alever portion 194. The lever portion 194 may be an armrest 198. Thelever portion 194 may be coupled to the cam portion 190 such thatmovement of the lever portion 194 moves the cam portion 190. The camlever 34B may be coupled to the seating assembly frame 14 at a cam leverpivotable coupling 202.

With reference to FIG. 6, the cam lever 34B may be in a primary positionXIII aligned with the seatback frame 18. The position of the cam lever34B when the cam lever 34B is disposed along the seatback frame 18 maybe referred to as the primary position XIII of the cam lever 34B. Theseatback panel 26 may be in the stored position I when the cam lever 34Bis disposed in the primary position XIII aligned with the seatback frame18.

With continuing reference to FIG. 6, the lever portion 194 may be anarmrest 198 with an enlarged flat portion 206 at the end of the armrest198. The enlarged flat portion 206 may provide a surface for an occupant12 to rest his or her forearm. The lever portion 194 may include a hole210 for receiving a pin 214 that may couple the lever portion 194 to thecam portion 190.

Referring to FIG. 7, an actuating force 42B applied to the lever portion194 may cause the cam lever 34B to rotate in the direction shown byarrow 216 to move the seatback panel 26 from the stored position I tothe extended position II.

Referring to FIG. 8, the lever portion 194 is shown adjacent to sidebracket 130. The seatback panel 26 is in the stored position I.

Referring to FIG. 9, the cam lever 34B is shown in the secondaryposition XIV transverse to the seatback frame 18. The seatback panel 26is shown in the extended position II relative to the seatback frame 18.

Referring to FIG. 10, the cam lever 34B may be in the secondary positionXIV transverse to the seatback frame 18, and the seatback panel 26 maybe in the corresponding extended position II relative to the seatbackframe 18. The cam lever 34B may include the lever portion 194 and thecam portion 190. The cam portion 190 may be coupled to the lever portion194 by a pin 214 that may extend through the hole 210 in the leverportion 194. The lever portion 194 may be disposed on the outside of aflange 218 of the seatback frame 18. The cam portion 190 may be disposedon the inside of a flange 218 of the seatback frame 18. The cam portion190 may include a curved slot 222 that may receive a seatback panel pin226 that may be coupled to the seatback panel 26. In the example shown,the seatback panel 26 is disposed against an outer portion of the camportion 190. As the cam lever 34B is rotated in the direction shown byarrow 230, the pin 226 may move along the slot 222 and the cam portion190 may rotate into a space adjacent to the flange 218, thereby movingthe seatback panel 26 from the extended position II to the storedposition I.

With continued reference to FIG. 10, the cam lever 34B in the secondaryposition XIV transverse to the seatback frame 18 may move the seatbackpanel 26 a distance D2 from the seatback frame 18. In one example, thedistance D2 may be in the approximate range of between approximately20.0 millimeters and approximately 80.0 millimeters and ideallyapproximately 40.0 millimeters. In another example, the distance D2 maybe less than approximately 30.0 millimeters. In yet another example, thedistance D2 may be greater than approximately 80.0 millimeters.

Referring to FIG. 11, the cam lever 34B is shown in the secondaryposition XIV transverse to the seatback frame 18. It is to be understoodthat the cam lever 34B may be located on either the right side or theleft side of the seatback frame 18. In various aspects, cam levers 34Bmay be located on both the right and the left sides of the seatbackframe 18. In various examples, the cam lever 34B may be located on thebottom of the seating assembly frame 14, the top of the seating assemblyframe 14, or elsewhere so that the cam lever 34B may be coupled with theseatback panel 26. In various aspects, the cam lever 34B may be movablebetween positions other than the primary position XIII aligned with theseatback frame 18 and the secondary position XIV transverse to theseatback frame 18 to move the seatback panel 26 between the storedposition I and the extended position II.

Referring to FIGS. 12-13, an adjustment mechanism 34 may include atelescoping member 34C. The telescoping member 34C may include a guide242, a sleeve 246, and a spring 250. The guide 242 may include ahandgrip 254. The handgrip 254 may include a cylindrical cavity that maybe pushed over the guide 242. The handgrip 254 may be rubber, plastic,or another material. The handgrip 254 may include a bumpy outer surfacethat the fingers of a user may conveniently hold on to. A cross-sectionof the guide 242 may be circular. A cross-section of the sleeve 246 maybe circular. A user may exert an actuating force 42C on the handgrip 254by pushing the handgrip 254 in the direction shown by arrow 256 to movethe seatback panel 26 from the stored position I to the extendedposition II. A user may exert a return force 258 in the direction shownby arrow 260 on the handgrip 254 by pulling the handgrip 254 in thedirection shown by arrow 260 to move the seatback panel 26 from theextended position II to the stored position I. The telescoping member34C may be coupled to the seating assembly frame 14. A distal end 262 ofthe telescoping member 34C may be coupled to the seatback panel 26. Invarious aspects, the telescoping member 34C may be located on either theright side or the left side of the seating assembly frame 14. In variousaspects, telescoping members 34C may be located on right and left sidesof the seating assembly frame 14. In various aspects, the telescopingmember 34C may be located on places of the seating assembly frame 14other than the right and/or left sides of the seating assembly frame 14.

Referring to FIGS. 14-15, an adjustment mechanism 34 may include a camlever 34D. The cam lever 34D may include a cam hand grip 270. The camlever 34D may be disposed on the seatback frame 18. The cam lever 34Dmay move from an initial position XVII transverse to the seatback frame18 to a final position XVIII aligned with the seatback frame 18. The camlever 34D may include a cam portion 274 and a lever portion 278. The camlever 34D may be rotatable about the cam lever pivotable coupling 282 inthe direction shown by arrow 286 and in response to actuating force 42D.The cam lever 34D may be secured to the seating assembly frame 14 at thecam lever pivotable coupling 282. In various examples, the handgrip 270may be integral to the lever portion 278, or the handgrip 270 may be aseparate part. The handgrip 270 may include a cylindrical cavity thatmay be pushed over the lever portion 278. The handgrip 270 may berubber, plastic, or another material. The handgrip 270 may include abumpy outer surface that the fingers of a user may conveniently hold onto. A spring system 290 may be disposed between the seatback panel 26and the seating assembly frame 14. The spring system 290, together withthe rotation of the cam lever 34D, may move the seatback panel 26 fromthe extended position II to the stored position I. A latch and cablerelease 294 may be coupled with the seating assembly frame 14. The latchand cable release 294 may release the cam lever 34D from the seatingassembly frame 14 to allow the cam lever 34D to rotate about the camlever pivotable coupling 282 from a final position XVIII alighted withthe seatback frame 18 to an initial position XVII transverse to theseatback frame 18. The latch and cable release 294 may be one example ofa latching mechanism 166. See, FIG. 4. In various aspects of thedisclosure, the cam levers 34D may be disposed on one or both sides ofthe seating assembly frame 14.

With reference to FIGS. 1-15, a vehicle seating assembly 10 includes aseatback 38 pivotably coupled to a seat 40 and movable between anupright position IX relative to the seat 40 and a substantially parallelposition X relative to the seat 40. See, FIG. 3. The seatback 38includes a seatback panel 26 coupled to an upper portion 30 of theseatback frame 18. The vehicle seating assembly 10 includes anadjustment mechanism 34 extending between the seatback frame 18 and theseatback panel 26. The adjustment mechanism 34 is configured to movefrom a first position (for example, the collapsed position V for thelinkage assembly 34A) to a second position (for example, the expandedposition VI for the linkage assembly 34A) in response to an actuatingforce 42 disposed on the adjustment mechanism 34 if the seatback 38 isin the upright position IX relative to the seat 40, thereby moving theseatback panel 26 from a first distance D1 relative to the seatbackframe 18 to a second distance D2 relative to the seatback frame 18. Theadjustment mechanism 34 may include a latching mechanism 166 configuredto maintain the seatback panel 26 at the second distance D2 relative tothe seatback frame 18.

The seatback panel 26 may be positioned to function as a load floor 102if the seatback frame 18 is in a substantially parallel position Xrelative to the seat 40 and if the seatback panel 26 is in the storedposition I. The seatback panel 26 may also be positioned to function asa load floor 102 if the seatback panel 26 is in a substantially parallelposition X relative to the vehicle floor 62. If the seatback 38 is in afolded position relative to the seat 40, then the seatback panel 26 mayalso be positioned to function as a load floor 102.

In various aspects of the disclosure, powered actuation may be used toapply an activation force 42 to the adjustment mechanism 34 to move theseatback panel 26 from the stored position I to the extended positionII.

A variety of advantages may be obtained by use of the presentdisclosure. The seatback panel 26 may be placed in a stored position Ito create a load floor 102 If the seatback 38 is in the folded position(for example, If the seatback frame 18 is in the substantially parallelposition X). If the seatback 38 is in the upright position IX, then theseatback panel 26 may be in the stored position I to generally maximizespace behind the seatback 38. If the seatback 38 in in the uprightposition, then the seatback panel 26 may be in extended position II toprovide space for a seating assembly occupant 12. As such, the seatbackpanel 26 may be a seating assembly feature that may enhance seatingassembly function in different seating assembly positions.

It is to be understood that variations and modifications can be made onthe aforementioned structure without departing from the concepts of thepresent disclosure, and further it is to be understood that suchconcepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless theseclaims by their language expressly state otherwise.

1. A seating assembly comprising: a seating assembly frame including: aseatback frame; and a seat frame; a seatback panel coupled to an upperportion of the seatback frame and movable between a stored positionrelative to the seatback frame and an extended position relative to theseatback frame; and an adjustment mechanism coupled to the seatbackpanel and the seating assembly frame and movable between a firstposition and a second position in response to an actuating force,wherein the adjustment mechanism includes a linkage assembly comprisinga rearward link, a forward link and one or more intermediate links, andwherein a weight of an occupant on a seat panel creates a rotationalmovement of the linkage assembly so that the forward link moves downwardin an arc of rotation and causes the one or more intermediate links toexert a force on the seatback panel.
 2. The seating assembly of claim 1,wherein in the first position of the adjustment mechanism, the seatbackpanel is in the stored position.
 3. The seating assembly of claim 2,wherein in the second position of the adjustment mechanism, the seatbackpanel is in the extended position.
 4. The seating assembly of claim 3,further comprising: a seatback panel pivotable coupling including theseatback panel and the seatback frame and defined by a seatback panelaxis of rotation extending through the seatback panel and the seatbackframe.
 5. (canceled)
 6. The seating assembly of claim 1, wherein thefirst position of the adjustment mechanism includes a collapsed positionof the linkage assembly.
 7. The seating assembly of claim 6, wherein thesecond position of the adjustment mechanism includes an expandedposition of the linkage assembly.
 8. The seating assembly of claim 7,wherein the linkage assembly is pivotably coupled to an inward-extendingportion of a seating assembly cross member.
 9. The seating assembly ofclaim 8, wherein in the collapsed position of the linkage assembly, theforward link of the linkage assembly is disposed above the seat frame.10. The seating assembly of claim 9, wherein in the expanded position ofthe linkage assembly, the forward link of the linkage assembly isdisposed below the seat frame.
 11. The seating assembly of claim 4,wherein the adjustment mechanism includes a cam lever pivotably coupledto the seatback frame.
 12. The seating assembly of claim 11, wherein thecam lever defines an armrest.
 13. The seating assembly of claim 12,wherein the first position of the adjustment mechanism includes aprimary position of the cam lever substantially aligned with theseatback frame and wherein the second position of the adjustmentmechanism includes a secondary position of the cam lever transverse tothe seatback frame.
 14. The seating assembly of claim 4, wherein theadjustment mechanism includes a telescoping member extending between theseating assembly frame and the seatback panel.
 15. A vehicle seatingassembly comprising: a seatback pivotably coupled to a seat and movablebetween an upright position relative to the seat and a substantiallyparallel position relative to the seat and including: a seatback panelcoupled to an upper portion of a seatback frame; and an adjustmentmechanism extending between the seatback frame and the seatback paneland configured to move from a first position to a second position inresponse to an actuating force disposed on the adjustment mechanism ifthe seatback is in the upright position relative to the seat, therebymoving the seatback panel from a first distance relative to the seatbackframe to a second distance relative to the seatback frame.
 16. Thevehicle seating assembly of claim 15, wherein the seatback panel definesa load floor if the seatback is disposed substantially parallel to theseat and if the seatback panel is positioned at a first distancerelative to the seatback frame.
 17. The vehicle seating assembly ofclaim 16, wherein the adjustment mechanism includes a latching systemconfigured to maintain the seatback panel at the second distancerelative to the seatback frame.
 18. The vehicle seating assembly ofclaim 17, wherein the adjustment mechanism includes first and secondadjustment mechanisms disposed on opposing sides of the seatback panel.19. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 17, wherein the adjustmentmechanism includes a four bar linkage pivotably coupled to a seatingassembly frame.
 20. A vehicle seating assembly comprising: a seatingassembly frame including: a seat frame; and a seatback frame; a panelpositioned on a back of the seatback frame and movable between a storedposition relative to the seatback frame and an extended positionrelative to the seatback frame; and an adjustment mechanism extendingbetween the seating assembly frame and the panel and movable between afirst position and a second position in response to an actuating forcedisposed on the adjustment mechanism, wherein if the adjustmentmechanism is in the first position, then the panel is in the storedposition, and wherein if the adjustment mechanism is in the secondposition, then the panel is in the extended position, wherein theadjustment mechanism includes a linkage assembly comprising a rearwardlink, a forward link and one or more in links, and wherein a weight ofan occupant on a seat panel creates a rotational movement of the linkageassembly so that the forward link moves downward in an arc of rotationand causes the one or more intermediate links to exert a force on theseatback panel.